Breakfast Casserole For One (2024)

Home Cooking For One Recipes Single Serving Breakfast Breakfast Casserole For One

By Joanie Zisk

on Aug 15, 2018, Updated Jan 27, 2024

4.87 from 23 votes

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Savor a hearty single serving Breakfast Casserole, brimming with crusty bread, savory sausage, and melted cheese. Perfect for cozy mornings at home!

This single serve breakfast casserole is the perfect way to start your day. It’s made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, and it can be made ahead of time and baked in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients.

this Recipe

Looking for more great recipes to start your day? Try our Mini French Toast Casserole, Berry Filled Dutch Baby, Cheesy Baked Eggs, or a short stack of Banana Pancakes!

Table of Contents

  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • What Is An Overnight Breakfast Casserole?
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Recipe Variations
  • How To Make A Breakfast Casserole
  • Serving Suggestions And Versatile Options For Two
  • Expert Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Top Single Serving Breakfast Dishes To Try
  • Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
  • Breakfast Casserole For One Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Convenience: Prepare the night before and wake up to a meal ready to bake.
  • Flavorful: The extended soaking time ensures every bite is packed with taste.
  • Versatile: Easily adapt with your favorite ingredients or what you have on hand.
  • Efficient: Perfectly portioned for one, ensuring no leftovers or waste.

What Is An Overnight Breakfast Casserole?

An overnight breakfast casserole marries the ingredients together as they soak and rest, resulting in a richer, deeper flavor. Typically, the ingredients are combined and refrigerated overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the creamy egg mixture. The next morning, simply bake and enjoy.

RELATED:20 Single Serving Breakfast Recipes Worth Waking Up For

Ingredient Notes

  • Pork sausage: Pork sausage adds a savory touch, but turkey or vegetarian sausage can be used for a lighter option. If you have leftover sausage, consider using it in a Pork Stir Fry or a Biscuit with Sausage Gravy.
  • Egg: You can use a large or extra-large egg in this recipe. The egg acts as a binder for the casserole.
  • Milk: I use whole milk or 2% milk in this recipe, you can opt for non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk.
  • Salt and black pepper: Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.
  • Bread: Crusty varieties like French bread work best as they soak up the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. You can use day-old bread as well.
  • Cheese: You can use any type of cheese you like in this recipe. I like to use cheddar cheese for its flavor and meltability.

This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.

Recipe Variations

Experiment and make this small breakfast casserole truly yours. Here are some ideas:

  • Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
  • Vegetarian: Replace the pork sausage with a veggie alternative.
  • Deluxe: Add some sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
  • Cheese Burst: Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and pepper jack.

How To Make A Breakfast Casserole

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make an individual breakfast casserole. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. Cook the sausage until no longer pink. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Breakfast Casserole For One (3)
  1. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the egg. Whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper.
Breakfast Casserole For One (4)
  1. Place the bread in a small buttered baking dish. Sprinkle the bread with the cooked sausage and cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the top.
Breakfast Casserole For One (5)
  1. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Breakfast Casserole For One (6)
  1. The next day, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Bake the casserole, covered in a 350 F oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the egg mixture is set.
Breakfast Casserole For One (7)
  1. Remove from the oven and enjoy while still warm.
Breakfast Casserole For One (8)

Serving Suggestions And Versatile Options For Two

Kickstart your morning with this make-ahead breakfast casserole, a dish that not only stands alone in flavor but also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider these delightful accompaniments:

  • Fresh Fruit Salad or Ambrosia: A burst of sweetness and freshness to complement the savory casserole.
  • Yogurt Parfait: Layered with fruits and granola for a textural contrast.
  • Smoothie: Choose a green smoothie or a tropical smoothie for a healthy, refreshing punch.

While these sides are perfect for elevating a single serving, they also effortlessly transform this dish into a heartwarming breakfast casserole for two. The addition of these sides not only increases the meal’s portion size but also introduces a delightful variety in flavors and textures. Whether you’re enjoying this meal solo or sharing it with someone, the flexibility of this casserole caters to all your breakfast needs. Turn your meal into a shared experience with these simple yet satisfying pairings, creating a memorable and cozy morning for two.

Expert Tips

  • This breakfast casserole has a savory flavor profile, reminiscent of a breakfast bread pudding. If your preference leans towards something sweeter, my small French Toast Casserole recipe would be an ideal choice.
  • For the best texture, ensure the bread in the casserole is thoroughly soaked, but avoid soaking it to the point where it becomes excessively wet.
  • Allow the prepared casserole to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before you bake it. This step helps in achieving an even cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size baking dish is best to use?

The success of this recipe depends on the size of the baking dish you use. I use a5-inch baking dishthat measures 5-inches x 5-inches and is 1 ¾-inches deep. This dish has a base area of 25 square inches.

A 4×6-inch dish with an area of 24 square inches and a 6×6-inch dish with an area of 36 square inches will work as well.For best results, use a dish of similar size.

If you would like additional information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit ourFAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit ourStore page.

Can I add vegetables to a breakfast casserole?

Yes, a few tablespoons of chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work great.

How long can I store the unbaked casserole in the fridge?

It’s best when baked within 12-18 hours of preparation but an uncooked egg casserole can stay in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Breakfast Casserole For One (9)

Top Single Serving Breakfast Dishes To Try

Kickstart your day with our curated list of the best single serving breakfast recipes. From savory to sweet, there’s a dish for every palate ensuring a delightful start to your morning.

  • French Toast
  • Quiche Lorraine
  • Waffle
  • Pancakes
  • Eggs Benedict

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

Mini Spice Cake

French Bread Pizza

Ham and Cheese Scones – Small Batch

Crustless Pizza Quiche For One

RELATED: 15 Easy Single Serving Dessert Recipes

If you’ve tried this single serving breakfast casserole recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!

Your Cooking For One Source

Because you’re worth it

Breakfast Casserole For One

4.87 from 23 votes

By: Joanie Zisk

Prep: 12 hours hrs

Cook: 30 minutes mins

Cooling time: 5 minutes mins

Total: 12 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Servings: 1 serving

Breakfast Casserole For One (14)

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Savor a hearty make-ahead single serving breakfast casserole, brimming with crusty bread, savory sausage, and melted cheese. Perfect for cozy mornings at home!

Equipment

  • 5-inch baking dish

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces ground pork sausage , cooked and drained of fat
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup milk
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 2 cups cubed French Bread
  • ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese , or Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  • In a medium-sized skillet, cook the sausage until no longer pink. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and set aside.

  • In a small bowl, beat the egg. Whisk in the milk, salt and pepper.

  • Butter a 5-inch baking dish, or dish of a similar size.Line the dish with the bread, cutting and rearranging if necessary.

  • Sprinkle the bread with the cooked sausage and cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the entire dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

  • The next day, remove the casserole from the refigerator and let it come to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Heat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Cook the casserole, covered with aluminum foil for 25 to 30 minutes or until egg mixture is set.

  • Remove from the oven and enjoy while hot.

Video

Notes

  • This breakfast casserole has a savory flavor profile, reminiscent of a breakfast bread pudding. If your preference leans towards something sweeter, my French Toast Casserole recipe would be an ideal choice.
  • For the best texture, ensure the bread in the casserole is thoroughly soaked, but avoid soaking it to the point where it becomes excessively wet.
  • Allow the prepared casserole to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before you bake it. This step helps in achieving an even cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 747kcal, Carbohydrates: 47g, Protein: 59g, Fat: 64g, Saturated Fat: 25g, Cholesterol: 381mg, Sodium: 2078mg, Potassium: 911mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 1187IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 582mg, Iron: 5mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Welcome!

I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

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35 Comments

  1. Can it be cooked in microwave or air fryer I don’t have an oven?

    Reply

    1. We have not tested this recipe in an air fryer.

      Reply

  2. I am allergic to wheat so could you use hash browns instead?

    Reply

    1. I haven’t tested this recipe using hash browns instead of bread.

      Reply

  3. Terrific recipe. For a different take on the recipe, you can substitute 2 cups of any (or assorted vegetables) for the bread cubes.

    Reply

Breakfast Casserole For One (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between a frittata and a breakfast casserole? ›

As for the cooking process, frittata is made by briefly cooking an egg-based custard in a cast-iron pan on the stove, then baking it for a short time in the oven. Meanwhile, the egg custard in a breakfast casserole is poured over layers of other ingredients in a deep baking dish before going into the oven.

Why is my breakfast casserole soggy? ›

Incorrect oven temperature - Casseroles that are baked at an oven temperature that is too low may not cook evenly, resulting in a soggy top and a firm or crunchy bottom. Too much liquid - Casseroles that have too much liquid may not be able to absorb all of the moisture, leading to a soggy top.

Why do you have to refrigerate breakfast casserole overnight? ›

The casserole is covered and refrigerated overnight to allow the liquid ingredients to be absorbed into the bread. This is a perishable mixture and should be cooked the morning or day after assembly. Bake in an oven set no lower than 325 °F. Most recipes suggest 350 °F.

What is a breakfast casserole made of? ›

To make a breakfast casserole you beat some eggs, add milk and cheese, add cubed bread, add "mix-ins" like mushrooms, veggies, sausage, and herbs, put it in a casserole dish, and bake.

What Italian egg dish is similar to a crustless quiche? ›

A frittata is an Italian egg dish that is like an omelet or quiche but lazy and forgiving. It's lazy because the recipe is easy, and you don't have to do the tricky omelet fold. It's also forgiving since you don't have to make a crust and uses no cream or milk, unlike an omelet or quiche.

What's healthier frittata or omelette? ›

But unlike omelets, egg frittatas can serve a family fast. And unlike most egg recipes, a four-serving frittata cooks all at once without any flipping or fuss. Plus, since there's no crust (like quiches), it makes it a healthier breakfast option.

How do you thicken breakfast casserole? ›

Whisk together equal parts cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Use one tablespoon of cornstarch per cup of liquid you would like to thicken. Stir out all the lumps. A few minutes before your casserole is done, add it a little at a time until you are happy with the thickness.

Can breakfast casserole sit in the kitchen all night or should it be refrigerated? ›

You can either bake breakfast casserole immediately or cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to bake later.

What are 5 components of a casserole? ›

Let's talk anatomy: A standard dinner casserole usually includes a protein, a starch, a vegetable, a sauce (or other binding ingredient), and cheese. But making a casserole is not an exact science, and you can definitely break away from this formula. Check out some fun side-dish casseroles and desserts below!

Can you leave raw egg mixture in fridge? ›

If you've got raw egg yolks or whites left over from a recipe which you don't want to waste (let's face it, why would you?), you can store them in the fridge as long as you plan to use them within the next few days.

Can you make a casserole with raw eggs ahead of time? ›

Can You Make Egg Casserole Ahead of Time? This easy egg casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast. Simply combine the ingredients the night before and place the mixture in a prepared baking dish, then cover it tightly with storage wrap or foil. In the morning, bake the casserole according to the recipe.

Can you make a casserole with raw egg and leave it uncooked overnight in fridge? ›

Yes! You can assemble this casserole the night before, wrap it tightly and then refrigerate until the next morning. Then, bake according to recipe directions.

Why is it called John Wayne casserole? ›

John Wayne first wrote the casserole recipe, but it looks a little different today. John Wayne Casserole was first popularized by the 1979 cookbook, "Cooking with Love from Cara and Her Friends," a collection of different celebrities' favorite dishes.

What is the difference between a quiche and a breakfast casserole? ›

Egg Casserole

They are heartier than a quiche, leaning more towards a strata in texture. If you are dairy-free, you can use almond, cashew, coconut, hemp, rice, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk you prefer.

What is John Wayne casserole made of? ›

That's right, the iconic John Wayne Casserole is named after none other than the actor himself. Typically, you'll find that most recipes call for refrigerated biscuits or Bisquick, onions, red bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, sour cream, mayonnaise, ground beef, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and Cheddar cheese.

What is the difference between a breakfast casserole and a quiche? ›

What is the difference between a breakfast casserole and a quiche? A quiche is made with a pie crust while a breakfast casserole is not. Plus, this casserole has more eggs and no milk, while the base of a quiche is more liquid dairy (usually cream) than eggs.

What is the difference between a frittata and an egg bake? ›

Since the dish is finished in the oven, you should cook the ingredients in an oven-safe, well-seasoned skillet to make it a one-pan meal. Frittatas wind up with a firmer texture compared to egg bakes, though they're still tender. Unlike egg bakes, frittatas can also be prepared with little to no dairy.

What makes a frittata so different from an omelet? ›

Frittatas are cooked in a cast iron pan or oven-safe skillet because they are started on the stovetop and then finished in the oven. And, unlike omelets, frittata fillings are mixed in with the eggs in the pan rather than folded in the center.

What defines a frittata? ›

Frittata is an egg-based Italian dish similar to an omelette or crustless quiche or scrambled eggs, enriched with additional ingredients such as meats, cheeses, or vegetables. The word frittata is Italian and roughly translates to 'fried'.

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